Impetigo
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
PediatricsIntegumentary / Burns / WoundsInfectious Diseasemedium priorityneeds review
Impetigo
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Superficial bacterial skin infection, commonly Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.
- Bacteria infect superficial epidermis, producing vesicles/pustules that rupture into honey-colored crusts.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Antibiotics by class | Topical or oral antibiotics may be ordered depending on severity/spread. |
Nursing actions
- Assess rash location, drainage, fever, spread, and household/daycare exposure.
- Teach hand hygiene, covering lesions, not sharing towels, and completing antibiotics if prescribed.
- Monitor for cellulitis or post-strep complications if widespread or untreated.
Complications
- Cellulitis
- Transmission
- Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis rarely
NCLEX cues
- Honey-colored crust around nose/mouth.
- Contagious skin lesion teaching.
- Hand hygiene and separate linens.
Memory hooks
- Impetigo looks honey-crusted and spreads by touch.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Trend assessment findings and ordered diagnostics; verify exact values with school source material.
Review notes
- Supplemental wife-requested study card. Use for NCLEX review only and verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy.